Beaded Pretties

I made these items a while back.  The rings are stretchy so one size fits many!  The pendants are woven with fine thread and the photo doesn't do them justice as they are really sparkly.

At the moment I feel like I am on a factory production line.  I had some bad news at the dental surgery yesterday so I need to make as much as I can before next Monday when I am being subject to a deep clean and tooth and bone removal!!!

It is fun making things for the craft fair but I am looking forward to making things for pleasure rather than profit once the day is over.  I really want to draw, paint and maybe make a doll or two.  I also want to take my jewellery making skills up several notches.

Thank you to everyone who reads this blog.  I hope some of my posts inspire you as much as your comments encourage me to keep on doing what I love.

Making and Learning

I made some earrings earlier in the week perfecting the mobius link and using up some of my darker coloured Herkimer quartz gem stones.  I tend to use making things as a distraction to other things going on in my life.  It gives me 'time out' and something else to focus on.

I 'pulled' the post on my doll collection that I posted a few days ago as I didn't think it really fitted with the rest of my blog.  I am not even sure if I should keep this post up as it is not one of my finer photographs but then again life isn't always perfect as it has been demonstrated to me this week.

The last few days have been very unsettling for many reasons that I can't go in to here.  It is all salvageable problems though and hopefully over the next few weeks life will settle back down again.

Aah, the peaks and troughs of life. 

Here's hoping that the week ahead is just a gentle plateau.

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Copper Links

I have been learning to do chain maille using bare copper jump rings.  It is so satisfying watching the pattern come together.

 It feels nice and weighty on my wrist without feeling weighed down.

This weave is called the Rhino Snorting Drano!  I have no idea why!  I hope to learn many more weaves incorporating gemstones into the designs.

Seashell Jewellery for Aspiring Mermaids

Summer is a great time for collecting shells.  Those that are not perfect specimens can be turned into jewellery to remind one of carefree summer days.  If you are not lucky enough to visit a beach this summer, ask a friend or relative who is going if they would bring you back a few.  Failing that shells can be bought on line.

To make the filled shells I used  a bead reamer and twisted gently in the end of the shell where I wanted to attach my findings.  I pushed a head pin up through the hole (using a bead as a stopper so that the finding wouldn't get pulled through the shell) and used round nosed pliers to gently curl the wire that was sticking up to make the bail.

To fill the shell I used Glossy Accents which is a 3D gloss medium by Ranger, a few glass pearls, silver seed beads and ultra fine glitter.  I started by putting glossy accents into the shell and dropping the beads in.  When satisfied with the arrangement I used a cotton bud to sprinkle the tiniest amount of glitter on top.   I think they look like mini rock pools!

Hang them from pendants, use them as charms or hang in the window.  Experiment with different beads and glitters.  They are great fun to make - quick and satisfying and sure to be an innovative fund raiser for a summer fete too!

If shell themed jewellery is not for you then how about making a wreath?  I had a quick go at making a seashell wreath by using a small cardboard ring.  I wound around a long strip of muslin and then stuck the shells and some grasses on with a hot glue gun.  Not the most inspiring example -more of a tester and experiment for a larger wreath maybe using a willow or foam form as the base.

Many more shell crafts can be found on the links below including candles in shells, sea shell wreaths and garlands.

 http://makazai.net/make-your-own-sea-shell-tea-lights-in-minutes/

 http://www.busykidshappymom.org/craft-time-shell-wreath-tutorial/

 http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2008/08/how-to-make-seashell-wreath.html

http://teacupmonster.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/diy-seashell-garland.html

To join in with Anne and her savor summer project, click here to be taken to her introductory post.  Click on the savor summer picture in my side bar if you want to be taken directly to her current blog post.

Back on Monday with another joy list in July!

Beaded Cross Finale Finale!

I didn't have intentions to show any more beaded crosses for a while but as that is what I have been doing I thought I would show and tell!  For the blue and gold coloured cross I added some pale yellow glass crystal beads to give some contrast, and I made a smaller cross with silver seed beads with larger silver beads to give a bit more dimension.

I really should stop making these now as I have no plan for them other than to sit in a pile of 'done' stuff! The reason for all this beading is to keep my brain active.  I have also been doing Sudoku and Logic puzzles in the evening.  My brain craves something to do and I feel so wasted being at home with no real purpose other than to  'be around'.  I seem to live my life vicariously through others and would love to have a life of my own where I am earning a wage and given some worth to what I do.

Today is wet and miserable and I am in the second week of my husband staying off work with a trapped nerve in his back.  I selfishly want the house to myself and feel under scrutiny each time I come up on to the computer.  He hasn't said anything but I know he would swap places with me any day. 

If only I could get organised and write up a plan of action for my future.  Each time I mention self employment a row ensues and again I feel worthless and incapable. 

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I see myself as a deceased old woman atop a pile of projects complete and incomplete with the local authorities stating 'she didn't know which way to turn, so she stayed put'.  I really hope that my indecision's won't be the death of me!  I'd best crack on and draw up some kind of life plan lest the choice is taken from me.

By the way, I am not depressed.  I am just exasperated.

Beaded Cross Finale

This is the finale of the glass pearl bead necklace making for now.  I think I need to experiment with some other beads and designs and maybe use some semi precious gemstones too.  Whenever I am making things I do seem to like setting up a production line!  I learn best when I repeat something over and over again.  Once I have 'mastered' what I have set out to do, I stop and move on to something else.

Pity I am not doing a craft fair this year.  I think a table set out with these designs would make quite an impact, if only to pique people's interest.

Beaded Cross #2

I thought I should 'model' this cross so that you get a sense of its proportion.  As you can see it is quite a statement piece!  I used teal and cream glass pearls and really like this colour combination.  I am on a roll now.  What colour should I make next?  Hmmmmm, let me see.......................!

Have a lovely weekend!

Beaded Cross

Following on from my last post, with faith and folklore in mind, I decided to make a cross shaped beaded necklace with some glass pearls that I had been looking to use.  I really enjoyed the process of bead weaving and although simple in design, I think the look is very effective.

For some time I have been wanting to make jewellery with a purpose or a meaning attached.  Maybe I have found my niche? 

Making Beautiful

No matter what anyone says, in my eyes I will never be beautiful. My low self esteem and embarrassment about the way I look has taken years to manifest itself so I know it will take a long time to 'get over myself', but just because I do not see me as looking beautiful (or even average) I see beauty in others and the things around me.  With this in mind instead of concentrating on trying to look beautiful I am putting my efforts into making beautiful!

I've made the bracelet above using gemstones that were aesthetically pleasing to me.  I like the coldness of the stones and the way that the colours work together.  When I am making jewellery I am totally absorbed in the process.  I like to think that a little bit of my soul is infused in my work.  I would imagine that many creators feel that way too.

What Did I Make?

After catching up with hours of extra sleep over the last few days I felt well rested and up for making something today. I have been wanting to make something from Linda Jones book called Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry for some time now.  With supplies to the ready I started to make the units for the wiggly wire chain.  I had so much fun making this!  I used  pewter coloured Czech fire polished beads as an added point of interest to the design.  The units are work hardened on a steel block with a hammer before being linked together.  A bit tough on the wrist but only light pressure is needed.

I am very happy how my contemporary looking necklace turned out. It seems that silver is very me!

Wobbles in Crafting

I was determined to make something this weekend and after watching  a wire work bracelet demonstration on a shopping channel, thought I would try to replicate it.  I didn't have the correct gauge wire but had a go with what I had to hand.  I was quite pleased with the result but my ego came crashing down when my OH was distinctly underwhelmed with my efforts and I did take his response personally.  I think one of the reasons I blog is for the affirmation from people that what I am doing creatively is good and that I am following the 'right' path.  My two nearest and dearest do not 'get' the craft thing at all and I often feel discouraged by them.  They see my craft materials as a waste of money.  I do wish I could prove them wrong but there is a niggle in the back of my mind that they may be right.

This approval thing that I seek to be seen as a valid human being has to stop - I know that.  I shouldn't care what others think of me and what I make. It is very immature of me to keep wanting others to like what I am doing and ultimately like me too.  However, it is very deep seated within me.  Somehow I have made a warped connection that if you don't like what I make then you don't like me either.  I have no idea how I have made that connection other than my creativity is an important part of me.

Anyway, sorry to be rambling on this fine but cold Monday morning.  I had no idea that I was going to spill my feelings over the page.  Creating may have to be pushed aside today as I have bed linen to change and a pile of ironing to be tackled.  Perversely I quite like ironing and find that pressing out the creases in the fabrics is quite cathartic.

Persevering with Wire Crochet Beaded Jewellery

I am still experimenting with wire and bead crochet jewellery with varying results.  Have you ever tried to unravel wire when you see a mistake has been made?  It is not the easiest of jobs and requires much *perseverance.

I was a little underwhelmed with the response to my necklace giveaway and am at a loss to understand why so many people have declined to comment or enter.  I have done 19 giveaways previously and the   responses to my giveaways in the past have been good and made the process much more fun.    There is still time to enter by leaving a comment on the previous post not forgetting to leave a reason why you would like to win it. 

This has been a very strange week.  Although the weather has been dry and pleasant I have been staying close to home.  I cut the grass on Saturday but feel it was a bit premature as the ground is still so muddy and the blades of the mower kept churning up the earth.  I still need to sow seeds but my heart isn't in it and I do feel that I need to be in the right frame of mind before I attempt to do this.

My voluntary work has come to a standstill at the moment.  The group has got so large that I feel my role has been diminished.  It is such as shame as my voluntary work was the only contact I have with people outside my immediate family.  As the group has grown my confidence has waned.  I am not surprised that now we are into wine production and not just maintaining vines, everybody wants a piece of the action.

Today I feel as I am on tenterhooks.  I need to go out shopping but really feel I need to stay close to home.   Too much time on my hands methinks!  Too much time to worry about silly little things that don't really matter.

I hope that you are all having a nice week and not being a worrywart like me! x

* my word of the year 2014

Bead and Wire Crocheted Necklace Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help me decide on what to make next.  The necklace received the majority of votes (4) and then the spring fairy (3), with the OOAK art doll, soap and cat toy receiving 2 votes each.  The earrings didn't receive any votes at all!

It was a challenge making the necklace as I have never crocheted a wire necklace (or any kind of necklace) before!  I had fun choosing the 'beads' and settled on green Russian Amazonite chips and tiny white freshwater pearls.  I crocheted them onto fine silver coloured copper wire.

The necklace is quite short and lies up high on the neck, much higher than the impression given on the bust above.  It is very delicate and pretty and I am sure would flatter anybody.  It is fastened with a silver coloured rope designed toggle clasp.

 Jewellery is notoriously difficult to photograph especially when you just have a shoot and point camera and don't use any special effects.  I really must brush up on my photography skills (something else to add to the 'to do' list.)

If you would like the chance to win this necklace then please leave a comment below indicating why you would like to win it.  Now, when I have done giveaways before I have not asked for anything in return.  On this occasion, I just request that you help to promote my etsy shop either on your blog or Facebook or via Twitter or by any other means you can think of!  It is very hard to get seen on etsy, much like being a needle in a haystack and on most days I have no visits at all and have to resort to Twitter just to try and direct some traffic to my store.

Going back to the suggestions on my previous post, I am going to work my way through the list and make ALL of the items starting with the fairies and then the art doll, soap and cat toy and I may even make a pair of earrings!  Thanks to all that participated. x

Bunny Themed Necklaces

What is your best bunny?  Do you prefer the honey coloured bunny with the blue beads or the cream bunny with the green beads?  Are you naturally drawn to a particular colourway?

I have a few things lined up for my etsy shop including the necklaces above but something is preventing me from listing them.  I think it is a bit like stage fright - scared of being judged.   When I do put them in my shop though I will let you know.

It is blowing a gale here at the moment.  There are puddles in the conservatory and my husband is unwell.  It is very hard to keep spirits high.  I have spent many hours in making things this week.  Keeping busy to keep my sanity!

I hope you and yours are safe and well.  Spring will come again........................sigh........one day!

Just One More Necklace

 I just had to show one more necklace for the bunny lovers out there (Vivienne!)

I really enjoyed designing this necklace with a beautifully carved honey coloured quartzite rabbit as the main feature.  All the beads used are semi-precious and are made up of shell, sodalite, chalcedony and yellow faceted quartz.  The metal spacer beads are copper as is the chain and findings.

It looks very pretty on and very bohemian.  Imagine wearing on a warm spring or summer day, flowing skirts and flowers in your hair......................!

Plaited Necklace

Moving on from pretty but simple stranded necklaces, I have had a go at making multi-stranded plaited necklaces.  These are quite time consuming to make because of all the hundreds of gemstone chips they are made up of.  

This particular necklace is made of labradorite and rose quartz chips and faceted labradorite rounds.

A substantial piece of jewellery and cooling to the skin.

* I am sorry I haven't had much to say recently.  I have become quite introspective at the moment.  I know not everyone is into jewellery and gemstones and I will try to post something different next time.

Romantic Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is said to be the gemstone of love and romance and of friendship.  I used seven (an auspicious number) of faceted rose quartz ovals, two sizes of moonstone and silver tone seed beads to make up the necklace.

Here you can compare it against the aquamarine necklace that I featured yesterday.  They are both short necklaces and come just below the collarbone and look so much nicer against warm skin tones.

Both necklaces feature a twisted rope toggle clasp and sterling silver crimp covers at the ends. 

Soothing Aquamarine

Strange as it may seem, I like to have a connection to the things that I make and do.  Aquamarine is my birthstone.  The stone for March.  I do feel an affinity with the gemstone and am soothed just by soaking up the delicate milky hue of the stone.

The aquamarine teardrops or pears (I see them as teardrops)  are interspersed with silver tone seed beads, tiny moonstone rounds and crystal bi cones.

Do you know what your birthstone is and do you like it?

Practice makes Perfect

I am hopeful that if I were to put this necklace in my etsy shop it would sell.  The thing is that I wouldn't sell anything that I didn't like or wouldn't wear myself.  Although the necklace is pretty and delicate there are some tweaks I would want to make before it came under scrutiny.

Back to the drawing board again then.  

Cross

This is a first prototype of a cross pendant I have been working on.  Although I am not a religious person as I am opposed to following enforced doctrines, I find that I am quite spiritual and more so as I get older.  The pendant is made from genuine freshwater rice pearls and copper wire.  Because the pearls are natural they will not be prone to scratching as would glass pearls. I had no real plan when I set out to make the pendant but as I look at it I see the tightly bound wire as a representation of being bound to a faith. 

I have been feeling unsettled and frustrated these past few days.  Already 2 weeks into the new year and I feel I am lagging behind.  I have received my herbs to make my herbal pillows but lack the motivation to do anything with them.  I also have a lovely collection of gemstones with which to make jewellery but feel frozen with the expectation of failure if I try to make anything.  Hopefully this feeling will pass shortly and I will get my act together.